Krondor: the Assassins is book two of Raymond Feist's "The Riftwar Legacy", set in the world of his 1982-92 debut "Riftwar" series. As the Encyclopedia of Fantasy puts it, Feist is "an adept manipulator of standard material." This is comfortable action- adventure fantasy using well-worn props and settings, as a group of likeable characters return from the wars of book one (Krondor: the Betrayal) to deal with twin threats to their kingdom. A vicious gang of outsiders is killing off Krondor city's established thieves' guild, the Mockers, while sinister, fanatical assassins known as Nighthawks are for some reason targeting people with magic abilities. Also threatened are visiting nobles from a rival kingdom; someone is trying to provoke war. There's lots of action and swordplay as a hunting party runs into were-leopards and massed assassin attack, and a secret fortress of diabolical cultists is stormed by just three of our heroes in the manner of Indiana Jones. New physical and magical threats appear at regular intervals and are rapidly dealt with, the emphasis being on excitement rather than suspense. Feist provides enjoyable dialogue, moments of comedy, a touch of savvy political intrigue and unfailing narrative flow. All ends satisfyingly, with one hidden villain still on the loose and devilishly plotting world domination in book three. --David Langford